Summary
The CNRS is offering a 12-month postdoctoral position (renewable up to 3 years) at the Research Institute for Insect Biology (IRBI) in Tours, France. The successful candidate will conduct comparative multi-omics studies of bird feather keratins, focusing on structure-function relationships related to non-iridescent structural coloration. This role involves analyzing genomic and spatial omics datasets, assisting with synchrotron tomography, and participating in dissemination activities. The position offers collaboration opportunities with international partners and a dynamic research environment.
Postdoctoral Position in Comparative Multi-Omics of Feather Keratins (M/F)
Designation
Postdoctoral Researcher (Researcher in FTC)
Research Area
- Molecular and structural biology
- Biochemistry
- Comparative multi-omics
- Feather keratins
- Developmental genetics
- Biophysics
Location
Institut de recherche sur la biologie de l’insecte (IRBI), TOURS, Indre-et-Loire, France
Eligibility/Qualification
Required Skills:
- Specialist in comparative -omics studies.
- Strong command of comparative methods and functional -omics approaches.
- Proficiency with laboratory equipment.
- Computer skills (Unix, R, etc.).
- Good command of English (spoken and written).
- Strong capacity to work independently and as a team member.
- Ability to prioritize tasks and take initiative.
Desired Skills (Plus):
- Skills in supervised and semi-supervised machine learning, including deep learning.
Experience:
- 1 to 4 years relevant experience.
- Doctorate degree required.
Job Description
Missions:
- Study bird feather keratins responsible for non-iridescent structural coloration.
- Utilize existing and de novo generated -omic and tomographic datasets to map out structure-function relationships.
Activities:
- Conduct comparative genomic analyses to identify key motifs associated with nanostructural transitions in feathers.
- Perform spatial -omic studies of various feather tissues across bird species.
- Assist with synchrotron tomography of developing feathers.
- Participate in dissemination and popularization activities for research results.
- Expected short stays with collaborators at the University of Southern California (developmental genetics) and the University of Tokyo/RIKEN (biophysics).
- Opportunities to work closely with PhD students and supervise master interns.
Work Environment:
The successful candidate will join the INOV team (INteractions Organisms-EnVironment) at IRBI, as part of the PHASESEP project funded by a Human Frontiers Science Project (HFSP) research grant. Collaboration with the Saranathan group, which studies intracellular self-assembly of photonic nanostructures in insects and birds, is expected. IRBI is a vibrant institute with approximately 100 staff members, including permanent researchers, faculty, postdocs, and doctoral students, dedicated to insect-environment interactions.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Monthly Gross Salary: Between 3041.58 and 3467.33 € (depending on experience).
- Annual Leave and RTT: 44 days.
- Remote Working: Practice and compensation for teleworking.
- Transport: 75% coverage of transport costs and a sustainable mobility package up to 300€.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online via the CNRS employment portal.
Last Date for Apply
28 October 2026, 23:59 (CET)
Apply Link
